2025-12-10 Cultural Resources Commission Meeting

Home

the presentation, with letters distributed on October 2nd and 15th. Public notice was published on October 24th in the Hawai`1 Tribune-Herald and West Hawai`i Today. The comment period ended on November 24th, and no comments had been received to date, except from the CRC, which had invited the project team to provide a presentation. The project contacts were identified as Evan Kimoto, HDOT Project Manager, and Scott King, WSP Environmental Project Manager. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 43:57] Chair Clark asked whether lead testing had already been conducted for potential contamination beneath the bridge and whether lead paint was anticipated to fall from the bridge during rehabilitation. Mr. King responded that he was unable to locate documentation of prior testing;however, a portion of Kolekole Gulch Park was already fenced off with signage indicating the presence of lead contamination, suggesting that sampling had occurred at some point to identify contaminants. He clarified that the project would include additional sampling to further evaluate contamination and determine appropriate next steps. Chair Clark noted that the proposed repairs would not involve structural or major changes but would focus on improving safety for vehicular travel. Mr. King confirmed this and added that removal of the temporary bridge structure would enhance the appearance of the bridge and help restore some of its historic qualities. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 46:32] Vice Chair Haumea asked whether, once the project was completed,there would be a process to assess potential environmental impacts, specifically expressing concern that debris or scaling from the bridge could contaminate the stream. Mr. King responded that sampling and analysis would be conducted prior to construction and during construction, and that measures would be implemented to capture any materials that could potentially fall from the bridge. He noted that he would need to defer on whether post- construction sampling or analysis would be required. Mr.Randall Urasaki, consultant from WSP added that the specific requirements were not yet known, but that findings from sampling, such as paint chips, would be coordinated with the Department of Health to confirm that lead had been adequately removed. He stated that mitigation measures would be implemented if contaminants were identified and that the existing fenced area containing lead contamination would be removed upon completion of the project. Vice Chair Haumea reiterated his concern about the potential for lead to leach into the stream where children play. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 52:12] Commissioner Gamayo asked about traffic conditions during construction. Mr. Urasaki responded that several traffic scenarios were being considered, including partial closures, contraflow operations, the possible use of a traffic signal, and maintaining a single open lane for 24-hour traffic. He noted that the project was still in the early stages of design and that these concepts were preliminary. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 54:46] Commissioner Keakealani requested clarification on how an archaeological site was defined, asking whether it referred only to features constructed by Kanaka, such as stone walls or enclosures. She expressed concern that the assessment should not be limited to identifying discrete archaeological sites, but should also consider the stream itself, the surrounding forest, the coastline, and the broader cultural landscape where Kupuna lived, traveled, and sustained their livelihoods. She further voiced concern about potential Cultural Resources Commission December 10,2025 Minutes Page 5 of 10